At least 17 people have died and 13 others were injured after an explosion and fire at the HABAS steel plant in Aliaga, in Turkey’s western Izmir province. Two of the injured were reported to be in critical condition, while rescue teams continued working at the industrial site.
The incident happened around midday local time when a crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed into a large furnace used in the liquid steel casting process. The impact triggered a major fire inside the facility.
What happened at the HABAS steel plant?
The explosion took place at the privately owned HABAS facility in Aliaga, a major industrial area north of Izmir. According to the account provided after the incident, the crane fell into a furnace during operations connected with steel production.
Witnesses described the blast as powerful enough to feel like an earthquake. The force of the explosion caused part of a platform to collapse, complicating the emergency response.
Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said rescue teams were working to remove the collapsed structure. The people affected were factory workers, according to the mayor.
Death toll and emergency response
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised address that 17 people had been killed and 13 injured. Two of those injured were in critical condition.
The rescue operation continued after the explosion as emergency personnel searched the damaged area and worked around the collapsed platform. The full circumstances of the incident, including whether safety failures contributed to the disaster, had not yet been established.
Authorities are expected to examine:
- Why the crane collapsed while carrying the replacement boiler;
- How the furnace and surrounding equipment were being operated;
- Whether required workplace safety procedures were followed;
- Whether any technical failure or negligence contributed to the explosion; and
- Who may bear responsibility if violations are identified.
Investigation into possible safety failures
President Erdogan said the causes of the incident and any potential negligence would be determined through an investigation. His comments did not establish responsibility, and no final finding had been announced at the time of reporting.
Workers’ groups have pointed to what they described as a history of safety concerns at HABAS. Those claims will need to be assessed by the relevant Turkish authorities as part of the formal investigation.
The distinction is important: the explosion has been confirmed, but the cause and any legal responsibility remain under examination.
Why the plant matters to Turkey’s steel industry
HABAS is one of Turkey’s largest steel producers. The company says its Aliaga plant was established in 1987 and has annual production capacity of 4.5 million tonnes of steel.
The facility’s scale means the incident has significance beyond the immediate emergency. Any prolonged shutdown, investigation or disruption could affect workers, contractors and supply chains connected with the plant. However, no information was provided on the impact on production or on the plant’s operating status after the fire.
Condolences from European leaders
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed condolences following the deaths. Her response underlined the regional attention surrounding the disaster, although the incident was a national emergency in Turkey rather than an EU decision.
Turkey is not a member of the European Union, and no EU regulatory measure was announced in connection with the explosion. The immediate response and investigation remain the responsibility of Turkish authorities.
What happens next?
The next stage will be the investigation into the collapse of the crane, the furnace fire and the condition of the industrial equipment involved. Authorities will also need to confirm the identities of those killed and provide further information on the injured workers.
Further updates are likely to focus on:
- The final death toll and medical condition of survivors;
- Whether rescue operations have been completed;
- The findings of technical and workplace-safety inspections;
- Any arrests, charges or administrative action, if supported by evidence; and
- Whether the HABAS facility can safely resume operations.
At this stage, the confirmed facts are that a crane carrying a boiler fell into a steelmaking furnace, causing a major explosion and fire. The incident killed at least 17 people and injured 13 others, while the cause and responsibility remain subject to investigation.